Contrary to popular opinion, D.C. is not “Hollywood for ugly people." Capitol Hill staffers have upgraded their wardrobes and dumped the frumpy look. Hip restaurants and lounges seem to pop up weekly. And everyone knows: to balance all the glam dinners, fancy cocktails and power lunches, you’ve got to hit the gym if you want to stay in shape.

All of which means one thing: If you're looking for a "significant other,” the pool of candidates is better now than perhaps at anytime in Washington's history.

In Washington, even romance is tinged with politics and power. For better or for worse, many people look not only for love but a license to climb Washington's social ladder, as well. How better to do that than by becoming a power couple?

To help out the romance seekers, POLITICO has highlighted 20 of Washington's most eligible singles. They're cute and connected, charming and compelling. To be sure, many won't be single for long so it's best to work on your pickup lines now.

Natalie Ravitz

Perhaps no other Senate staffer turns heads as frequently as Natalie Ravitz. Even so, this blonde California native has yet to find Mr. Right. As communications director for Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Ravitz combines a smooth, cat-like demeanor with all the toughness demanded of a Capitol Hill communicator ... and the mixture is potent enough to drive her male colleagues dizzy.

Maureen Dowd

Sure, the title of her 2005 book “Are Men Necessary?” might make suitors nervous, but this New York Times columnist remains an object of desire for many fans of her off-beat column. She's been linked in the past with such A-Listers as Michael Douglass and Aaron Sorkin, but doesn't seem eager to settle down anytime soon.

Jon Favreau

Though currently said to be dating actress Rashida Jones, Favreau remains one of the most desired men in town. As one of the speechwriters whose words helped catapult Barack Obama into the White House, Favreau's prose, prominence and youth have women around town dreaming about the kind of Valentine's Day notes he might be able to write (and the kind of West Wing tours he'd be able to offer).

Katharine Weymouth

Most newspaper types don’t top the sexy charts, but Washington Post publisher Katharine Weymouth has changed the stereotype of ink-stained wretches. Ever since her sultry photo shoot for Portfolio magazine, Weymouth has been turning more and more heads around town. Divorced with three children, she doesn’t have a lot of free time, but she’s a catch.

Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.)

Any Washingtonian who hasn't heard of Aaron Schock has been living in a cave. Thanks to his good looks and six-pack abs (brought to you by TMZ), Schock has earned an enormous amount of press as Congress' new hottie. Surely, his legislative work will live up to his hype. But the real question is: how will he keep that very un-politician-like physique during his time on Capitol Hill?

Meghan McCain

On her ever-popular Twitter account, this outspoken daughter of Sen. John McCain will be the first to admit that she has plenty of people hitting on her or asking for a date. She's proud to boast that she's a full-bodied blonde — and hopes to be the future of the Republican Party.

Savannah Guthrie

Guthrie has been in television news for a while, but her star rose when she earned her chops on the 2008 presidential campaign trail — and was subsequently named a White House correspondent for NBC News. In a field that features plenty of frumpy men, Guthrie is a breath of fresh air during her on-air reports.

Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)

Take an immense amount of political influence plus a full head of grey hair, and you've got the recipe for one of D.C.'s most powerful men. Widowed with children and grandchildren, the House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is a charmer – and a local, having been raised nearby in Maryland. In public political spats, Hoyer flashes his pearly whites even when he'd rather be gritting them.

Peter Orszag

In a town filled with nerds, Orszag is perhaps their king. And, accordingly, he's become a bit of a heartthrob for those who find smart number-crunchers sexy. What attracts most to Orszag is not just his brainiac side, but that he embraces it and even wears it as a badge of honor. Besides, who wouldn't want a checkbook balancer at home?

Jonathan Capehart

His frequent cameos on MSNBC cause viewers to wonder about the well-dressed, well-coiffed man. As an editorial writer for the Washington Post, Capehart has challenged the notion that these opinion shapers are best heard and not seen. On television, Capehart's looks aren't the only thing easy on the eyes; he's developed a reputation for being one of the least jarring voices on cable.

Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.)

If you can overlook his occasional stints in rehab, Kennedy possesses a boyish look that keeps him on the radar screens of many. Couple that with the fact that he has both the Kennedy last name and hair: those plush, bouncy locks keep his appearance youthful. This Rhode Island congressman has a rightful place in the Kennedy family's proud tradition of hunks.

Wayne Pacelle

Any man that can tame "reformed" dog-abuser Michael Vick must be manly, right? As head of the Humane Society of the United States, he has proven to have a huge heart thanks to his work on behalf of animals. That he has Kennedy-esque looks to go along with his animal advocacy makes many purr even more.

Desiree Rogers

This White House social secretary is not only attractive, but she's got access, too. As a longtime family friend of the Obamas, she's now in a position to help determine who gets to meet and greet the president of the United States, as well as how his image is shaped. She's good at honing her own image, too: Readers of The Huffington Post recently voted her Washington's Best Dressed Woman.

Pierre Vimont

Ignore the sneers about those "pesky" French. As France's ambassador to the United States, Vimont is the host of impressive bashes at his residence. His distinguished look and Gallic charm and style is enchanting to the ladies. In a town that can forget chivalry from time to time, Vimont has plenty.

Janet Napolitano

If power is an aphrodisiac, Napolitano is sure to do well. As one of the most important Cabinet members in the Obama administration, this Arizonian is the new sheriff in town as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Still, when you're busy trying to protect the country, finding the time for dates isn’t easy. She recently told the New York Times that she's dating ... her staff.

Ezekiel Emanuel

Despite their outward toughness, those Emanuel brothers have a certain charm to them. But out of the three brothers, only this doctor and bioethicist is single ... and, thankfully, he seems to be the tamest of the bunch. But don't be confused by his gentle ways; "Zeke" can still play tough, as best witnessed by his black belt in tae kwon do.

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.)

This Wisconsin senator may be known as one loyal liberal, but he's no Birkenstock-wearing crunchie. A sharp dresser with a snazzy grin, he can make like-minded women swoon during his impassioned speeches on the left's cause du jour.

Karen Finney

Behind Karen Finney's friendly eyes and smile is a tough and hard-working Democratic strategist who can hang with the best of them. With a resume that includes gigs at the DNC, the White House and the presidential campaign trail (plus frequent appearances on the cable news networks), she's got the brains to go with the beauty.

Valerie Jarrett

This close advisor to Barack Obama is a frequent traveler on Washington's social scene, and she’s the White House's conduit to many communities outside the gates. Accordingly, Jarrett has caught the attention of many along the way with both her impressive status and elegant looks.

Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio)

He's frequently touted as one of the Democratic Party's up-and-coming stars. And if you ask female staffers on Capitol Hill, it just fine by them if he's around for years to come. Tall, dark and handsome — and a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee. The future of the party is bright indeed if Ryan's around for a while.

It is refreshing to hear that Johnathan Capehart is single. I have admired him since his days at the New York Post and would be happy to invite him to dinner when next he is in New York. Although Poitico is not a match making service, some contact information would be greatly appreciated, with Johnathan's permission of course.

Patrick, do your homework for crissakes! Shock is from Illinois, (not Minnesota.)....Lahood's old seat. (oh look they fixed it....another mistake down the rabbit hole) And you oughta find out which team he plays for too.